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Mike Nock |
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Mike Nock Trio |
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"This is ensemble playing of real distinction ..." Since his first recordings with the THREE-OUT TRIO in 1960-61, Pianist/composer Mike Nock has remained at the forefront of Australasian Jazz, continuing to attract critical acclaim and delight audiences worldwide. His extensive background in a variety of genres with many of the world's top musicians (from Johnny O'Keefe to Dionne Warwick, Lionel Hampton, Michael Brecker etc.) give his live performances a rarely heard breadth and depth. Returning to Australia in 1985 after 25 years in the USA, Mike is now recognised as one of the greats of Australian Jazz. He has returned to his original trio format several times in his lengthy career to record some outstanding examples of the genre. ( ONDAS, NOT WE BUT ONE, BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP, BETWEEN or BEYOND, CHANGING SEASONS )
The current Mike Nock Trio features bassist Ben Waples and drummer James Waples, two extraordinarily talented musicians who began their musical journey as members of an award winning four-hand piano duo and who now rank among the best of Australia's young creative musicians. Touring and recording with the experimental electronic trio TRIOSK since 2003, bassist Ben Waples is equally at home with the acoustic and electric bass. 2nd place-winner at the 2008 Australian National Jazz Awards, Ben is featured on many acoustic jazz CDs. Both he and younger brother James are first choice players for many leading Australian groups and have been playing with Mike for several years. The TRIO recently recorded 2 CDs ( One live at Sydney's SOUND LOUNGE and one at the OPERA HOUSE STUDIO ) both of which will be released early in 2009 and are currently working on another project - CET ( Creative Electronic Trio ) featuring the trio's electronic concepts. Recognised as a creative force in modern music since his groundbreaking group the FOURTH WAY in the 1970's, Mike is now re-exploring the electronic soundscape with CET. With the youthful talent and energy of the Waples brothers combined with Mike's wide experience as composer and bandleader, CET brings a fresh perspective to their music, creating a new sound for a new generation. "The evening featured pianist Mike Nock leading a superb trio with Ben Waples on bass and brother James Waples on drums. This was the trio's debut public performance, though Nock has played individually with each of the brothers for several years. There is no doubt that Nock is in his prime, and it was a privilege to watch him interact and be inspired by his empathetic colleagues with such obvious delight. " Review of Stonnington Jazz Festival, May 2008 James Waples bio :: Ben Waples bio"..a well rounded pianism that draws from a multiplicity of sources, a writing style that combines powerful lyricism with abstract impressionism and a reverential but still distinctive sense of tradition demonstrates why Nock is one of Jazz's best kept secrets" ...All About Jazz, April 24, 2006. Website:www.allaboutjazz.com Reviews for 'Changing Seasons'
"There are some musicians that one returns to repeatedly, as antidotes to the brutal gimmickiness of so much of the aural environment. One such is Mike Nock, who, whenever I listen to his work always and unexpectedly surpasses the anticipation. There is no mystery why this is so, Nock is the most musical pianist currently working in the jazz field. This is ensemble playing of real distinction... but ultimately it is Nock's superlative musicianship that animates the material, and inspires his collaborators. I love this album. You will too." - Chris Dench, Music Forum, June 2003 "They play with an intensity which, while compelling, does not distract from one's wonder at how simple they make the complex seem. It is a session that after hours of listening still offers previously missed revelations, nuances and reflections." - Michael Foster, Canberra Times, March 10, 2003 "Leading a strong, flexible trio, with bassist Brett Hirst and drummer Toby Hall, he brings the Nock intensity and invention to bear on surging, rustling, hustling rhythms as well as some remarkable impressionistic and meditative pieces." - John Clare, Sydney Morning Herald, Feb 22, 2003 "Real Jazz with quality, that can knock-out the rock generation. Four 1/2 Stars!" - Swing Journal (Japan) Dec 2002 more information > |
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Last Updated: Aug 1st, 2010 - 14:41:53